Japanese Seasons

Stories and guides about Japanese Seasons — the culture, history, and craft behind it.

The 24 Sekki: How Japan Divides the Year Into Twenty-Four Seasons
Japanese Seasons

The 24 Sekki: How Japan Divides the Year Into Twenty-Four Seasons

3 min read
The 72 Micro-Seasons: Japan's Calendar of Five-Day Seasons
Japanese Seasons

The 72 Micro-Seasons: Japan's Calendar of Five-Day Seasons

3 min read
How the Japanese Calendar Divides the Year: Ancient Rhythms That Still Shape Life Today
Japanese Seasons

How the Japanese Calendar Divides the Year: Ancient Rhythms That Still Shape Life Today

3 min read
Risshun: The First Day of Spring in the Japanese Calendar
Japanese Seasons

Risshun: The First Day of Spring in the Japanese Calendar

3 min read
Why Cherry Blossoms Symbolize Impermanence in Japan
Japanese Seasons

Why Cherry Blossoms Symbolize Impermanence in Japan

3 min read
Hanami: The Real Story Behind Japan's Cherry Blossom Season
Japanese Seasons

Hanami: The Real Story Behind Japan's Cherry Blossom Season

3 min read
Kigo: The Art of Seasonal Words in Japanese Poetry
Japanese Seasons

Kigo: The Art of Seasonal Words in Japanese Poetry

3 min read
Momijigari: Why Japan Goes 'Hunting' for Autumn Leaves
Japanese Seasons

Momijigari: Why Japan Goes 'Hunting' for Autumn Leaves

3 min read
Japanese Seasonal Flowers: A Year of Blooms That Mark Time and Tradition
Japanese Seasons

Japanese Seasonal Flowers: A Year of Blooms That Mark Time and Tradition

3 min read
Why Plum Blossoms Herald the End of Winter in Japan
Japanese Seasons

Why Plum Blossoms Herald the End of Winter in Japan

3 min read
Japanese Seasonal Food: How Shun Ingredients Shape Daily Life and Culture
Japanese Seasons

Japanese Seasonal Food: How Shun Ingredients Shape Daily Life and Culture

3 min read
Shun in Japan: The Philosophy of Eating at the Peak of Seasonal Flavor
Japanese Seasons

Shun in Japan: The Philosophy of Eating at the Peak of Seasonal Flavor

3 min read
How Seasonal Tableware Reflects the Time of Year in Japanese Culture
Japanese Seasons

How Seasonal Tableware Reflects the Time of Year in Japanese Culture

3 min read
The Art of Japanese Seasonal Decor: Bringing Nature's Rhythm Into Your Home
Japanese Seasons

The Art of Japanese Seasonal Decor: Bringing Nature's Rhythm Into Your Home

3 min read
Tsuyu Rainy Season: What Japan's Wettest Weeks Mean for Culture and Daily Life
Japanese Seasons

Tsuyu Rainy Season: What Japan's Wettest Weeks Mean for Culture and Daily Life

3 min read
Tōji Winter Solstice: Celebrating Japan's Longest Night With Yuzu and Squash
Japanese Seasons

Tōji Winter Solstice: Celebrating Japan's Longest Night With Yuzu and Squash

3 min read
Why Japanese Hang Wind Chimes (Fūrin) in Summer: Sound, Culture, and Cool Comfort
Japanese Seasons

Why Japanese Hang Wind Chimes (Fūrin) in Summer: Sound, Culture, and Cool Comfort

3 min read
The Japanese Word for the First Cold Wind of Autumn
Japanese Seasons

The Japanese Word for the First Cold Wind of Autumn

1 min read
Why Japan Marks Seasons by Insects, Not Just Weather
Japanese Seasons

Why Japan Marks Seasons by Insects, Not Just Weather

1 min read
What Changes in a Japanese Kitchen When Autumn Begins
Japanese Seasons

What Changes in a Japanese Kitchen When Autumn Begins

1 min read
The 24 Solar Terms Most Japanese Calendars Still Track
Japanese Seasons

The 24 Solar Terms Most Japanese Calendars Still Track

1 min read
Why Autumn Leaves Are Watched Like a Weather Forecast
Japanese Seasons

Why Autumn Leaves Are Watched Like a Weather Forecast

1 min read